Introduction

Thanks for visiting my blog! This blog is for my MBA Sports Management mentorship class. The purpose is to track what I do in my mentorship (internship) and share my feelings about the knowledge and experiences I gain throughout the mentorship.

I have been presented with the opportunity to work with Cindy Ferguson, VP of Programming at the Greater Houston YMCA. My primary responsibilities will include working with her and her staff to evaluate the Youth Sports program and look at ways to improve their current practices. In the Center for Leadership and Development where I will be working, there are 7 employees at this building.

Cindy Ferguson has been with the YMCA for over 30 years. She began her career in Florida and has held positions such as Center Director, Board Representative, and Sports Director, just to name a few. She has been under the leadership of CEO Clark Baker for over 20 years.

YMCA Mission & Vision
Mission Statement:
Our mission is to put Judeo-Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all.

Our Purpose:
The Association, in harmony with the YMCA national purpose, perceives itself as a Christian fellowship dedicated to improving the quality of life through programs and services which provide opportunities for people to reach their highest potential, develop a positive attitude of self and others, appreciate good health and fitness, acquire a value system and maintain spiritual awareness that manifests itself in our daily lives.

Our Values:
The YMCA is committed to putting Christian principles into practice. YMCA programs, activities and relationships teach and model Judeo-Christian values in order to strengthen kids, families and communities. Caring, honesty, respect, responsibility, faith are core values evident in all that we do.

The vision in our 2020 Strategic Plan:
The YMCA and it’s Partners will lead the way in creating communities that are empowered, enabled and inspired to assure that every child grows up with a healthy spirit, mind and body.

We will achieve this Vision by:
Strengthening the relationship between children, their parents and other caring adults.
Ensuring that all children and families have access to diverse and quality programs and activities. Helping all adults become better role models by growing healthier in spirit, mind and body. Bringing individuals, groups, organizations and neighborhoods together to form communities that supports the success of all children.

Her department oversees Child Care, Youth and Government, but more definitely now Youth Sports.

My summer hours were 7am - 4pm Monday through Friday and will be as needed once I return back to teaching in August.

I expect to learn the management of multiple youth programs, specifically youth sports at the YMCA. In researching their current participation trends, I look forward to coming up with different ways the youth sports department can market their program better and retain their participants and employees.

I look forward to working with her and learning so much from her in this process.

Stay tuned for more!


Nicky